7 Delightful Towns to Visit in Arkansas
Dubbed "The Natural State" due to its abundance of green spaces, hot springs, rugged mountains and cliffs, and other wonders, Arkansas makes the ideal weekend getaway or summer vacation spot. Although the South Central state is landlocked, it has no shortage of pristine waterways to explore, as well as plenty of delightful small towns you can call your "home away from home." Whether you are looking for a town in which you can test your crag-climbing skills, such as Batesville, or go antique shopping, which Greenbrier is known for, you will find it in Arkansas.
Heber Springs
Pretty Heber Springs was founded as a health resort in the mid-19th century and continues to draw in visitors who want a relaxing retreat today. The small, charming town is known as a gateway to the scenic Little Red River and 31,500-acre Greers Ferry Lake, both of which are known as natural playgrounds. Sugarloaf Mountain hiking and biking trails also available for year-round for recreational opportunities.
Start your visit to this delightful town by stopping at the Greers Ferry Dam and Visitor Center, or the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce to get acquainted with the region. Bridal Veil Falls is for adventure-seekers, as it leads to a 90-foot waterfall. If you want to go shopping and sample local cuisine in a quaint setting, spend time in downtown Heber Springs, which is filled with boutiques, antique shops, cafes, and casual and gourmet eateries, such as Verona Italian Restaurant.
Eureka Springs
Situated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a nature-lover's paradise. Not only is the quaint mountain town surrounded by natural beauty, it is full of historic charm, as well. Its historic downtown is filled with Victorian buildings, such as the Palace Hotel and Bath House, Basin Park Hotel, and the Crescent Hotel, all of which were constructed around the town's hot springs.
When visiting this quaint town, don't miss the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, which was listed in Ripley's Believe or Not and features a gift shop. Arts lovers will enjoy checking out the Museum of Eureka Springs Art, an attraction showcasing over 400 pieces of artwork from over 150 local, regional, and national artists.
Mountain Home
Located in the southern region of the Ozark Mountain range, Mountain Home is known for its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Relaxing Mountain Home is considered a retirement and resort destination, and was was ranked number two on Field and Stream Magazine's Best Fishing Towns in America list. Golfers will also rejoice at the town's Big Creek Golf and Country Club.
If you want to spend time on one of Mountain Home's waterways, you can rent a boat from Blackburns Resort and Boat Rental, where you can also stay in a rustic, fully-equipped cabin. During the growing season, check out the Mountain Home Berry Farm and pick your own berries and pumpkins, as well as purchase fresh local produce, jams, jellies, sauces, and other homemade goods.
Magnolia
As pretty and lovely as its name suggest, quaint Magnolia is a liberal arts college town, as well as a haven for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Magnolia is situated on the 3,000-acre Lake Columbia, and is the perfect place to visit and explore all year long. Several local events, including the Magnolia Blossom Festival and World's Championship Steak Cook-Off, attract thousands of visitors each year.
You can learn about the area's history by visiting the South Arkansas Heritage Museum, which showcases artifacts from local industries and craftsman. If you want to find the perfect souvenir to give friends and family members back home, make a stop at the MOD Maverick Studio, a family-owned shop selling antiques and vintage treasures, locally made goods, second-hand items, and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.
Batesville
Beautiful Batesville is another delightful town to visit when you are in Arkansas, as it is overflowing with Southern hospitality and was listed as one of the "100 Best Small Towns in America" in a national travel guide. Batesville is located just 90 miles from bustling Little Rock, on the shores of the scenic White River, which is the perfect place to go boating, fishing, sightseeing, or just relaxing on the waterfront.
If you are feeling adventurous, spend time on the Jamestown Crag, the only sport-climbing crag in Northeast Arkansas. The sandstone crag features more than 100 rock-climbing crags, which are bolted and ready to climb. If shopping and checking out the local dining scene is more your thing, take a walk down Main Street Batesville, a historic district boasting more than 50 shops and eateries worth checking out.
Bella Vista
Picturesque Bella Vista is the ultimate weekend getaway or summer vacation destination for those wanting to take part in outdoor adventures during their trip. Adventurous visitors can take advantage of all of the recreational opportunities that the area is known for, including its challenging and diverse mountain biking trails. Bella Vista has a rich history as being a place to explore nature, as it was established as a popular resort spot in 1917.
Not only does Bella Vista offer world-class mountain biking trails, it is the ideal spot for hikers and runners, as well. The town is home to more than 100 miles of singletracks, and two of its most popular trails include The Back 40 Trails and Blowing Springs. If golfing is your thing, swing your clubs at the Kingswood Golf Course, the Brittany Golf Course, or the Berksdale Golf Course.
Greenbrier
Conveniently situated in central Arkansas on busy Highway 65, the small, delightful town of Greenbrier has it all. One of its most popular attractions is the Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary, the only recognized facility in the world that will accept and house any type of elephant. Woolly Hollow State Park is another hotspot that draws in visitors from all over the area, as it is located on Lake Bennett, which offers a sandy swimming beach and boat rentals.
If you love hunting for treasures, don't miss the Arkansas Peddlers Antique Mall, a 11,000-square-foot facility featuring more than 60 booths full of vintage items and neat collectibles. Cadron Creek, which is affectionally dubbed "The Cadron" by locals, is a popular float stream that challenges outdoor adventurers with rapids, bluffs, and canyons.
Arkansas is a haven for travelers who have a deep love of the outdoors, from mountain biking down steep trails to viewing local wildlife by a lake or river. The state's delightful small towns make the perfect home bases for exploring all that the regions have to offer, from rugged mountains to historic downtowns filled with locally owned cafes and boutiques. No matter if you are planning a solo adventure or a family summer vacation in Arkansas, you will find the ideal spot to keep everyone happy, as well as make a lifetime of memories.
